Top 7 Tips to Beat the Spring Thaw

“April showers bring May flowers” as the saying goes, but heavy spring rain coupled with still-melting snow can also bring some less desirable events.Here are a few tips to improve your chances of only needing your rubber boots while outside your home this spring:

Keep street drains clear:Although you’re probably not on the Municipal payroll, we can all play a role in keeping an eye on things in our own neighbourhood.Sometime manhole covers get covered over with snow and ice, or other debris. Call your municipality if you see an issue. Or, if it’s a simple fix, be careful if you decide to undertake clearing efforts yourself.

Install and/or test that Sump Pump:Many basements have been saved by sump pumps.However, they only work… if they work!Schedule a quick test of your pump a couple of times per year.Also, remember that these machines require electricity to operate, and many of the storm events that bring flooding also bring power outages with them.So, it’s never bad idea to have alternative power on hand such as heavy-duty battery backup or a generator (never run these inside your home though!).

Check your home gutter system:Make sure your gutters aren’t clogged with leaves or other debris.Also, check to see that your downspouts are extended far enough away from your home’s foundation so as not to overwhelm the grounds right next to your home.

Install a backwater valve:These simple yet ingenious little devices act as a door that slams shuts whenever municipal sewer lines get overwhelmed and try to send the “yucky stuff” in the wrong direction and back towards your home.Many municipalities have made this installation of these backwater valves mandatory on all new home constructions, and some (like Moncton) even have incentive programs to help subsidize the cost.Your local licensed plumber is your go-to expert in this area.

Get your stuff off the basement floor: Most water damage claims originate from home basements flooding.Basement floors and baseboards can be replaced, but you DO NOT want sewer water touching important family keepsakes!Raised shelving units and watertight plastic storage containers can save a whole lot of grief.

Consider water detection alarms:There are lots of great products out there that use sensor to detect unwanted water while you’re asleep or away from the home.These systems can notify you as soon as water is detected, and some will even automatically close off the main water line coming into your home in case that is the source of the water!Some systems are quite reasonably priced.Once again, your local licensed plumber or water systems provider can likely provide guidance.

Buy “Sewer Backup” and “Overland Water” insurance:Even with all the above measures in place, the unfortunate reality is that sometimes the water just finds a way in despite our best efforts.Although some water events are not insurable, many of them are.Give us a call today to review your water protection insurance.

How to Check If a Sump Pump Is Working Sump pumps are devices that help keep properties safe from water damage. When a storm occurs, sump pumps remove excess water around the foundation a property, transporting it away. Maintaining and testing a sump pump ensures that it works properly when needed. It takes only a…

Top 7 Tips to Beat the Spring Thaw “April showers bring May flowers” as the saying goes, but heavy spring rain coupled with still-melting snow can also bring some less desirable events. Here are a few tips to improve your chances of only needing your rubber boots while outside your home this spring: Keep street…

The Winner of the WorryPas Contest – March – Laura Kristen! It was a close #WorryPasWednesday contest this past month, with a $100.00 Spa Voucher on the line! Congratulations to Mélanie Diana for having the most votes last week with her great picture, but unfortunately they weren’t enough to surpass the number of votes received…

7 Tips for Maintaining Good Tenant Relationships A good working relationship with tenants minimizes the likelihood of costly lawsuits and maximizes cooperation with timely rent payments, property upkeep and longer lease terms. Investing the time and money required to maintain and cultivate a positive working relationship with your tenants can be the difference between amicably…

The Winner of the WorryPas Contest – February – Jessica Cormier! *** #WorryPasWednesday – FEBRUARY CONTEST WINNER *** And the winner of last week’s edition with the most number of votes was Shelley Cormier Gallant ! Unfortunately, her 38 votes last week weren’t enough to dethrone the last weekly winner in February (81 votes), so…

What To Do If Your Car Is Stolen Did You Know? Because of their value, vehicles are popular targets for criminals. In fact, on lists of global vehicle theft statistics, you’ll find that Canada consistently ranks near the top. In the event that your vehicle is stolen, you will need to react quickly in order…